Archdiocese of Newark embarks on Annual Appeal for 2023
The Archdioceses of Newark has launched its Annual Appeal for 2023 with a goal of raising $9 million, according to the Office of Development and Stewardship of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Last year, the Archdiocese through its parishes throughout Union, Bergen, Essex, and Hudson counties raised $9.9 million.
Last year throughout the Archdiocese of Newark,1,500 couples participated in marriage prep programs, over 22,000 students enrolled in Catholic schools, 60,500 students were in Catechism programs, Mercy House distributed 80,000 pounds of food and Catholic Charities provided 68,00 nights of care to displaced individuals.
“Through your generous support to the annual appeal the Archdiocese of Newark is able to form the next generation of leaders, minister to the poor and suffering, welcome those on the margin, and provide urgently needed resources so that our parishes flourish,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R, Archdiocese of Newark. “It is by giving that we continue to renew our faith in Christ and be engaged in the vibrant life of the Church.”
As the Archdiocese creates more options for Catholics to give through various digital platforms, online donations are becoming a more popular way to give, said Thomas J. Smith, Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship.
Donations can be made online at the Archdiocese of Newark’s website rcan.org/sharing.
The appeal for funding is broken down into four categories:
- Proclaiming the Gospel ($1 million goal) — Funding for ministry to multi-ethnic communities, family-life programs, international missions, and ministry with the deaf.
- Caring for the Poor and Vulnerable ($3.5 million goal) — Funding for Catholic Charities, hospital and prison ministries, ministry with persons with disabilities, pro-life efforts, Mercy House, and protection of God’s children.
- Passing on the Faith ($2 million goal)— Funding of youth and young adult programs, faith formation, campus ministries, and support for Catholic schools.
- Forming Future Priests & Supporting Retired Clergy ($2.5 million goal) — Funding for continuing formation for priests, seminarian education, and priest health care.
One hundred percent of the donations go to supporting the ministries of the appeal.
Parishioners in some cases restrict their gifts to the specific ministries listed under each area of support. Smith said that even though most do not restrict their gifts they have seen an increase in restricted giving, with most directing their donations toward Caring for the Poor and Vulnerable.
Parishioners can also make a contribution in honor or memory of someone.
Last year the average donation amount was $387, Smith said.
Donations can also be made at your parish on Feb. 4 and 5, which is when most parishes across the Archdiocese will be conducting their In-Pew Weekend. Each parish has incentives to surpass its specific parish goal. Parish goals are set by a formula based on 10% of the parish offertory from the previous year. Funds, raised over the goal set by the formula, go back to the parish to be used where needed, such as for capital improvements or parish-supported ministries. Last year over $2.0 million went back to parishes directly through parish rebates and assessment rate reduction incentives.
The campaign is also reminding parishioners to inquire about matching their donations through their companies, Smith said. The Office of Development and Stewardship has installed software on the form that will connect online donors to employers, who offer matching gifts, and then directly to the company’s pages and forms.
The 2023 Annual Appeal, which includes participation of 212 parishes in Union, Bergen, Hudson, and Essex counties began in January and will end in December.
Featured photo: Donations can also be made at your parish on Feb. 4 and 5.
